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Size of the Average Brain Vs. Size of the Alzheimer's Brain

Alzheimer's is an incurable and fatal disease. The disease originates in the brain, and thus, affects the brain. The mass of the brain is affected, as well as various parts of the brain.

  1. Normal Brain

    • The average adult human brain weighs approximately 3 pounds and is approximately 1,200 cubic centimeters. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and controls different aspects of the human body, from thinking to smelling to memories.

    Alzheimer's Brain

    • A brain from a patient with Alzheimer's is noticeably smaller in mass than a normal brain. The cortex (outer layer of the brain) visibly shrivels up, shrinkage of the hippocampus is apparent, and ventricles grow larger.

    Microscopic Changes

    • Under the microscope, scientists have identified that Alzheimer's patients have fewer nerve cells and synapses. Plaques, or protein buildups between nerve cells, are frequent. Tangles, which are dead and dying nerve cells that contain another protein, are also common.

    Plaques & Tangles

    • Plaques and tangles are more evident as the disease progresses. These two features of Alzheimer's are being extensively studied to determine what causes them and why they appear.

    More Information

    • The Alzheimer's Association provides patients and caregivers resources about the disease, including symptoms, treatment options and prognosis.

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